Psychotherapy

As a therapist, my goal is to nurture a collaborative, supportive environment where any topic you bring to the session is welcome. I invite you to slow down and explore your values, thoughts, feelings and experiences. My practice is influenced by mindful body-centered methods such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and the Feldenkrais Method. I also incorporate strengths-based philosophy, social justice and anti-oppression perspectives, energetic imagery, and Interpersonal Neurobiology. In general, I have many ways of working with people and we can explore what works best for you.

Our bodies are involved in all of our thoughts and emotions. When there are no words to describe an experience, when words take us out of that experience, or when we feel our thoughts or emotions are out of control, it can be very powerful to slow down and pay attention to physical sensations in the body. But it’s not so easy to do this at first. Body-centered psychotherapy is a way to learn how to tune in to physical sensation without being overwhelmed by it. The Feldenkrais Method® is directly movement-based and often includes physical contact. It is a powerful way to become aware of physical/emotional habits and resources. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a “talking” therapy, but the talking is aimed at mindful observation and description. Thoughts and emotions are also observed mindfully.

Social Justice and Anti-Oppression Perspectives:

I have been interested in social justice issues since the mid-1980’s. As a social worker, I recognize that often our “psychological problems” are actually healthy responses to an unhealthy, unjust society. Many of us have experienced oppression or prejudice in the forms of racism, sexism, heterosexism, anti-transness, ablism, classism, anti-muslim sentiment, or anti-semitism (to name only a few) – or are descendants of people who suffered in this way (otherwise known as ancestral trauma). I try to be aware of the ways that my own privilege can influence my work with others.

Accessing counseling sessions:

To help you with your search for the right therapist, I offer a free half-hour initial consultation. You can call me at 503 . 380 . 5437